how tumors remain dormant for years before metastasis occurs

Good article! I think unlocking this piece of the metastatic puzzle is important.

BevJen,

This is very preliminary. There are a lot of words like may or could mentioned, so putting this to actual use is probably a ways off as they would still need to find out how to maintain that collagen like secretion around the cancer cells. Progress is never fast enough, I agree, but I have seen so much change in my ten years with mbc that I applaud even incremental progress.

I know I tend to think differently on these types of things than many here do but… this is very, very preliminary. They referenced “a type" of collagen. What type,type III was mentioned? Does oral ingestion of type III collagen survive it's trip through the digestive system to provide any benefits? Is taking collagen by any means, i.e. oral, IV, injection, etc., effective or protective of this collagen “shield"? Or, should researchers be looking at substances that protect this shield rather than simply supplementing collagen?

I know many of us will try just about anything, if it seems benign enough, and that's understandable but although this research is important it is still very far from producing any kind of tx. Frustrating but reality. Right now, the ones who might benefit most are companies that make collagen supplements but bear in mind that there is nothing to indicate that collagen supplements provide your dormant bc cells any further protection from waking up.

PS: I don’t mean to sound negative because I am happy about this finding as this opens the door to research on how to maintain the collagen shield but it says it tells us nothing about the effects of collagen supplements or when further research turns this finding into practical treatments.

There have been studies showing the other collagen types grow tumors and help them metastasize. Because of that, I don’t think simple supplementation is going to do the trick. They could come up with targeted therapies with collagen type 3. It is exciting news, nonetheless

The science is fascinating but at the same time illustrates how complex the whole bc mystery is. As heartening as this bit of unraveling the mystery is, I just hope that folks won’t interpret this as a reason to go out and start taking collagen supplements as that is not even remotely suggested by the article. Heck, I didn’t even know there were different types of collagen! Again, I totally understand why many of us will try anything we believe is harmless but the only ones truly benefiting from preliminary research such as this will be the makers of such supplements.

Hi wallycat,

Thanks for posting. Interesting read and great study. I messaged my MO to discuss it at my next appointment on Thursday. I will post her comments on it.

My PS said before in 11/2020 I was his first patient he had that had pretty much no collagen show up on scans prior to surgery. He said it was odd, lol. How great would it be if collagen could help to prevent metastatic cancer?!!!

exxbrnxgirl,

I understand the research is very early, and if it were ever to be utilized, it would take a lot of time, research, and study on humans to see results. I asked my MO to read the research and give me her take on it as a MO and cancer researcher. My MO is the expert, and I value her opinion and recommendations before deciding on supplements or treatments. The study would not prevent me from treatments. However, if someday it is proven to help prevent cancer growth in people, I am happy to add the type III collagen supplement to my daily intake on top of the Zoladex and Letrozole. I start the Zoladex on Thursday and Letrozole next month. I did not mean in any way that after reading a study performed on mice that supplementing collagen for treatments was a great idea. I meant it would be great if something that simple would eventually help so many women one day and that I'd like to talk about it to a cancer research expert that I know and trust.

I have followed recommended treatments while adding doctor-approved supplements. I figure if I choose to do the medically recommended treatments, it can't hurt to include natural supplements, too, as long as my MO does not have research that the supplements would negatively affect the medical treatments or oppose the supplements.

You didn't down any parade with your comments. They a valid and make very good points.

Over 2 years ago when I was diagnosed with BC, my MO told me the same, that cancer cells can stay dormant for years in the body and that's why MO recommends AI for us who are ER+, for cells to be without their fuel to multiply. Sounds good as a theory but works less than 40% of the time. Probably collagen is a new theory/research and new pills will come up if Pharma would be interested. Reading and seeing how many sisters are suffering and losing the battle is so sad at this century.

Wallycat,

My MO said she does not have any concerns about me adding collagen supplements to my daily intake. Especially if it will save me $ and pain from Botox.